Motorists benefit from fall in petrol prices

The price of petrol has seen its biggest fall since 2008, according to the AA.

It means the average cost is now 132.16p a litre, which is still relatively high but will help motorists finding it difficult to cover daily living expenses.

The AA said average petrol prices fell 5.49p a litre between mid-September and mid-October, which is the biggest monthly drop since they fell 11.5p in November 2008.

Diesel has also witnessed a reduction in price, from 142.50p a litre to 139.12p. Fuel price data is supplied by the research firm Experian Catalist.

Working families in the UK are finding it incredibly difficult to pay for the cost of fuel with many giving up their cars altogether as they can no longer afford to run them. However, some individuals, especially those in a trade, need a vehicle to get to and from their workplace and fuel bills have become a major burden for them.

Lowering fuel prices will be welcome news for many, especially considering how much it has risen in the last few years.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: "A more than £2.50-a-tank cut in petrol costs for families is a dramatic improvement on its own. But, heading into winter with cars using more fuel, the timing couldn't be better."

The organisation said lower wholesale fuel prices had caused the price drop, but said further falls were unlikely.

Overall, the AA says the UK has the seventh-highest petrol price and the second-highest diesel price in Europe.

Northern Ireland is the most expensive place for petrol, with an average pump price of 132.9p a litre, while London, the north of England and Yorkshire and Humberside are all the joint cheapest at 131.9p.

Households are struggling to pay for fuel expenses, especially with the major utility firms putting up their prices. It's important to shop around for the best deal for energy, including petrol, as making savings in this area can relieve some of the pressure on finances.

By Joe White